Following widespread protests from international BRIIZE, fans held out hope that SM Entertainment would reverse its decision and keep Seunghan in RIIZE.
However, their hopes were crushed when SM Entertainment recently updated their website.
SM Entertainment has officially confirmed changes to the lineup of K-pop group RIIZE. As of today, Seunghan is no longer listed as a member, and the group will continue as a 6-member act.
While he remains an artist under SM Entertainment, the 21-year-old idol is not a part of RIIZE. It is predicted that he might debut solo in the coming months.
On October 11, the label made the long-awaited announcement of Seunghan’s return to the group after a 10-month-long hiatus. He suspended activities last year after pre-debut photos with his girlfriend were leaked.
Within 48 hours, SM Entertainment reversed its decision to reinstate Seunghan when Korean fans sent wreaths to the company’s HQ and threatened to boycott RIIZE and bully him to suicide.
Since the label officially announced his departure, international fans have united to show their support for Seunghan and to stand against bullying. RIIZE’s social media accounts continue to lose followers and many fans are leaving the fandom due to SM’s decision to withdraw him from the group.
Overseas fans are furious, feeling ignored, and are mobilizing protest trucks daily to pressure SM Entertainment into reinstating Seunghan.
Seunghan’s return seems unlikely since the label has indirectly hinted that they will stick to their decision with the latest update.